By PAUL MILLAR
A FRUSTRATED Geelong builder says decision-makers incapable of making decisions have delayed the construction of a multi-warehouse development at Newcomb.
Ashley Patten said he had been trying to cut through red tape for 12 months to get his client’s Bellarine Hwy project on the move but had been blocked at every turn.
His problems started when property owners close to the site would not allow him to create a sewer easement on their land.
The obvious alternative was to run the pipes near the nearby rail-line but that was where the project went off the rails.
Mr Patten ended up dealing with VicTrack, Barwon Water and council representatives.
“It just keeps going back and forth between them all,” Mr Patten said.
“None of them seem capable of making a decision to help us move forward, council says we have to deal with Barwon Water and they say it’s a council matter.”
Mr Patten said all the project needed was permission to install the piping inside the boundary of the rail line and had no intention of disturbing tracks.
Add VicTrack to the equation as the rail-line owner and Mr Patten believed the tangle of red-tape was strangling the project.
“We offered to put in the latest septic system but council and Barwon Water want us to put in sewer.”
Barwon Water confirmed receiving an application to service the development in June last year.
“The corporation responded with an offer in the same month and has since discussed various proposals for sewerage services with the developer,” a spokesperson said.
“The developer must negotiate with adjoining landowners to gain consent for the construction of the infrastructure across their land and, if necessary, creation of an easement.
“Barwon Water has been in contact with the City of Greater Geelong and VicTrack in an attempt to progress the matter.’
Mr Patten said his client was now considering taking up the issue with Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
“But then there’s six month waiting list to get in to VCAT.”
